From our Archives
City has been in the news recently for building plans. The handsome design for the new Sebastian Street Building took centre stage at the prestigious Summer Exhibition 2017 at the Royal Academy on Piccadilly. Yet City’s history of gorgeous architecture has a rich heritage and her buildings have added lustre to London over a long period.
An arty and crafty City
City’s first building was the College Building, designed in the Arts and Crafts style by Edward Mountford. It was opened in 1898 .
In the 1920s the building was getting small for the growing institution and extensions were needed.
City’s flirt with Art Deco
In 1932 the building was opened by H.R.H. The Prince George. This was not the later King George VI, but his brother a good time prince who knew how to make a celebration go with a bang.
A new building was opened across the road, called the Connaught Building.
Les trente glorieuses
Due to growing numbers of students after the second world war an extension was needed.
An area plan of the area and not a single gastro-pub in sight. Times have changed?
Note the difference between the original pencil draw plans and the printed version.
In 1964, the third floor of College Building was further extended.
Mid-century classic City
After receiving her Royal Charter, The City University needed to extend once again. In 1976 the Tait Building was opened by Dr O A Kerensky, the brilliant bridge designer (and son of Aleksandr Kerensky).
We look forward to more architectural adventures in the future as City strives to be bigger and better.
More detailed information about the City Archive and Special Collections can be found on our library guide.
What’s you favourite City building (past or present) and why? Let us know in the comments below.
Not a uni building but love the bandstand. Some happy memories under that old thing. I remember once there was music playing and it began to rain and the music took us and we danced
I worked at City University for 12 years great memories.